In everyday life, you can see simple examples of a wheel-and-an-axle machine. This simple machine can be understood by looking at everyday examples. It is a basic mechanical device that has few moving parts and can modify motion and force. A type of lever is the wheel-and-axle machine.
What are a Wheel and Axle?
Simple machines like an axle and wheel are used to lift and move objects. There are two major parts to this machine:
- Wheel: The round disc on the inside or the more rounded, outside part.
- Axle: Round cylinder on the outside, or smaller round rod on its inside
An axle can be attached to another object by running through its center. It is an excellent demonstration of cause-and-effect by using a wheel and an axle.
Common Wheel and Axle Illustrations
A wheel and an axle are used to lift heavy objects, move people quickly, and move parts of complex machines. There are two types of basic wheel and simple axle machines.
- The machine where the force is applied on the Axle
- Machine where force is applied to the wheel
Examples of force applied to Axle
The wheel will go faster if you apply a lot of force to it. This type of Axle and wheel is common in everyday life.
- Bicycle
- Car tires
- Ferris wheel
- An electric fan
- Analog clock
- Winch
These examples show how the motion starts from the Axle. This results in a greater motion by the wheel.
Examples of force applied to wheels
A small force applied to the wheel will cause it to travel a greater distance and exert a stronger force against the Axle. This type of wheel and Axle is commonplace.
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Windmill
- Water wheel
- Doorknob
- Pizza cutter
- Skateboard
In contrast to those where the force is applied directly to the Axle, these examples illustrate when the motion starts from the wheel.
What is the Work of a Wheel and An Axle?
One force causes the Axle or wheel to move. This motion causes the other end of the machines to move. To keep it moving, the wheel revolves around an axle or fulcrum. To reduce friction between the wheel and the Axle, grease can be added to it.
Two objects can rub together like a log sliding across the ground. This creates friction that makes it difficult for the log to be moved. The friction is reduced or eliminated by wheels, such as placing a heavy log into a wheelbarrow. Because friction is less, it takes less energy for the load to be moved.
What is a Mechanical Advantage?
Mechanical advantage refers to the ability of a wheel or axle machine to perform well or poorly. Mechanical advantage refers to the ratio between the output force (the force produced by the machine) and the input force (the force applied to the wheel or Axle). This measures how hard the machine works compared to how hard a person works the machine.
What were the first wheel and ax machines?
Experts believe that 3500 B.C. was the date of the first wheel. The wheel was used in Mesopotamia to make a potter’s wheel. Although the initial versions of the potter’s wheel were not great examples of wheel and axle design, early potters developed pottery wheels to suit their needs.
Simple Machines for Everyday Living
You will also see five types of simple machines every day: levers, wedges, pulleys, screws, inclined planes, and pulleys. To find out which type of simple machine they are, look at the machines you use every day.